The rector of the Sanctuary of Fátima, Carlos Cabecinhas, today asked pilgrims who live farther to complete the October pilgrimage through virtual means, so as not to take a long trip and then not enter the enclosure.
“Don’t take the risk of coming to Fátima [nestes dias]and may not be able to enter the sanctuary grounds. We ask you to join us, to make the pilgrimage through the heart, through the virtual means that the sanctuary makes available daily ”, appealed Carlos Cabecinhas, in a message about the pilgrimage that takes place on Monday and Tuesday.
The contingency plan stipulated that only about six thousand pilgrims will be able to attend the celebrations of the International Anniversary Pilgrimage of October, which marks the last apparition of Our Lady to the Little Shepherds and is chaired by the bishop of Setúbal and president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, José Ornelas.
The pilgrimages of May and October are the ones that usually gather the largest number of pilgrims in the sanctuary.
The rector appealed to the understanding of pilgrims who are unable to be present and asked those traveling to Cova da Iria to be responsible for complying with the safety rules of physical distance, wearing a mask and respecting the instructions given by the welcoming staff.
“In the sanctuary, the concern for the health of pilgrims and those who work here is always a priority and must also be at a festive moment like this”, said Carlos Cabecinhas.
The priest also requested that, in case the pilgrims are no longer able to enter the sanctuary, they should avoid crowding in the neighboring areas.
“This year, everything is different, because of the pandemic that affects us. In May, we made a pilgrimage, for the first time, without pilgrims, and in October, although we already have the presence of pilgrims, there will still be very few ”, he stressed, expressing his“ hurt and sadness ”because the sanctuary did not to be able to welcome all pilgrims.
Carlos Cabecinhas invited those who will not be able to be in Fátima on Monday and Tuesday to go to the sanctuary on Saturdays and Sundays later.
On those days, they will be able to “experience the candle procession on Saturdays, and on Sunday, at the end of the Mass, the procession of farewell”, he said.
Last week, the Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, António Marto, asked pilgrims for “faith and civic responsibility” to accept restrictions on access to the enclosure during next week’s celebrations.
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